Sunny Saab up

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Normally, whenever we see something yellow in the snow, it’s not a good thing. But then Saab has frequently gone against the wind of convention. This is the latest iteration of the Swedish automaker’s soft-top for all seasons. It’s called the 2008 Saab 9-3 Convertible Yellow Edition, to give it its full name.

For the sum of $42,830, this yellow fellow (using Saab’s Lynx Yellow paint) offers a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which straddles the compromise between power and parsimony quite well — 210 horsepower and 18/27 mpg, city/highway. A standard 9-3 2.0T convertible starts at $40,335, so for an extra $2,500 or thereabouts, the YE has a longer list of standard equipment that includes 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, a subtle rear spoiler, OnStar navigation service from Saab parent General Motors and a premium audio system with which to enjoy the XM satellite radio subscription.

And there’s more. The first YE, which came out in 1991, has, according to Saab, gone on to attain collector-car status. Well-kept examples of the 1997 version are becoming sought-after as well. So the Yellow is no lemon, apparently. Neither is the 9-3 convertible in general. It took the award for 2008 Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety after the institute’s first-ever crash tests for open-top cars. And it’s a true four-seater, which can double the quota of convertible car occupants with a sunny disposition.

— Colin Ryan